Native Wish Bone Sticks

Chester Thorne hired Native American labor to help construct Thornewood Castle between 1907-1911.

Following their traditions, these Native American workers cut and hung numerous "wish bone sticks" (our term) around the basement foundation walls during construction. In their tradition, these both help protect from evil spirits and bring good fortune to the house in the future as well as provide protection to the construction workers.

We (the Robinson’s) are the fifth owners of Thornewood. Every previous owner before us has not touched these, but left these original wish bone sticks hanging in place. We will as well.

2004 Smudging Ceremony

Rayna & Bob Bearclaw (pictured right) were our B&B guests during the last week of October, 2004. Upon hearing about these above mentioned wish bone sticks, they offered to perform a "Smudging Ceremony" to renew, or recharge, these original wish bone sticks.

Explanation given by Rayna and Bob Bearclaw: "White sage and cedar are burned and the smoke then fanned over the object with Eagle and Hawk feathers. This is to cleanse, purify and bless objects, homes and people. It works to lift and dispel negativity and darkness, similar to lifting a burr off an animal’s fur. In the same manner, we as humans sometimes allow and engage depression, negative thoughts, despair and the weight of daily rigor to stick to us and weigh us down. This ceremony helps us to actively dislodge these encumbrances and frees us to once again allow the positive forces and light to renew our spirit."